Hour 3: Soto's Happiness - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Transcript

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Alan Hahn (0:29)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Peter Rosenberg (0:33)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Alan Hahn (0:34)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. All right, into the big five o'clock hour we go with Don Legreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 is the number to continue the conversation with us. We only got a couple of lines available, so you want to get in on it as soon as possible. But you know, just to circle back, we will get into Nixon a little bit as well as they're getting ready for their playoff series to begin. Although we do have playing games tonight and that's going to be interesting to see what sets up when it comes to the seventh and eighth seeds, especially in the East. So those games all begin tonight. Tonight you have Orlando in Atlanta, right?

Don Legreca (1:17)

That's the early one. Yeah.

Alan Hahn (1:19)

And then keep going. Top of my head, Golden State.

Don Legreca (1:24)

There you go. And go ahead, you're almost there. The Grizz.

Alan Hahn (1:29)

Oh, that's right, Memphis. Yeah, we're getting more, by the way.

Don Legreca (1:33)

But that means, you know what that means? More guns.

Alan Hahn (1:36)

No, grenades. Now it's grenades.

Peter Rosenberg (1:38)

Oh, sorry.

Don Legreca (1:38)

We got to get more grenades.

Alan Hahn (1:39)

Got to get grenades in that game of grenades. So again, basketball conversation to come stay with us on that. But just to circle back on what we began the show with, because I feel like it's, I personally feel like this is the biggest story in New York right now because of who it is, because of everything, all the emotion, everything in it. It's amazing, too, on my own timeline, just from our open, how many Mets fans are just like, so, so mad about this, which why are you mad? I don't understand it. This is simply a real media thing. When you play in a place like New York, everything you say can and will be used against you. And whether or not Juan Soto had intention of what he was saying when he talked about how it's definitely different playing for the Mets because you don't have an Aaron Judge there in the lineup. And the two of you together was a lot harder to pitch around a guy like Soto. And he has not gotten off to a great start. Let's be honest, the Mets have. He hasn't. The headlines though, they start to push the story into a place that I know as a Mets fan, Don, especially you, you're not comfortable that story going, which is an area of concern, a talk of. Doesn't sound like he's thrilled right now. And you know this thought now I don't believe that there's this remorse because the money. You're never going to feel bad about taking all that money. But it's now the reality of your situation and understanding that the team's playing well and you're not. And you know that because of that contract every time you have a. What's considered a bad game now last night he hit one out, so everybody was happy. But you know they're all going to say the same thing. That contract is going to chase you until someone else makes more money. Oh, gave this guy $750 million to do what. This is what he's doing for 750. Thank God we got Alonzo for the cheap. Like you know, that's how it is. And in New York, the tabloid. One tabloid makes a story of something, then the others have to follow up. This is not a one day and done story. They already asked Judge what he thinks. That's where we are right now. It's a real thing.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 3: Soto's Happiness

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Podcast Information:

Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and handsome New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and much more.

Introduction to the Episode

In "Hour 3: Soto's Happiness," hosts Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into one of New York's hottest sports topics: Juan Soto's performance with the New York Mets. Released on April 15, 2025, this episode navigates the intricate dynamics between player performance, media narratives, and fan reactions, particularly in the context of the Mets-Yankees rivalry.

Juan Soto's Performance and Contract

The primary focus of the episode centers on Juan Soto's performance under his substantial $750 million contract with the Mets. The hosts discuss how Soto's early season struggles have become a significant narrative in New York sports media.

Alan Hahn expresses frustration over the negative headlines surrounding Soto:

"The headlines though, they start to push the story into a place that I know as a Mets fan, Don, especially you, you're not comfortable that story going, which is an area of concern..." ([04:06])

Peter Rosenberg counters by highlighting Soto's overall contributions and the pressure that comes with such a hefty contract:

"He's in the first year of a 15-year contract. Make with it what you want..." ([06:10])

The discussion emphasizes that while Soto's performance may not meet the lofty expectations set by his contract, his underlying skills and potential remain invaluable to the Mets.

Media Narratives and Fan Reactions

The hosts critique the role of New York tabloids, particularly the New York Post, in shaping public perception of Soto's performance. They argue that media outlets often sensationalize player struggles to sell stories, which in turn fuels fan dissatisfaction.

Don La Greca points out the cyclical nature of media narratives:

"One tabloid makes a story of something, then the others have to follow up. This is not a one day and done story..." ([03:49])

Peter Rosenberg adds that the declining newspaper industry exacerbates the issue, as tabloids vie for attention:

"The newspaper industry is dying. They're trying to get you to buy newspapers cuz nobody's buying them anymore..." ([05:53])

This segment underscores the tension between media narratives and the actual performance of players like Soto, suggesting that fans often base their opinions on skewed representations.

Yankees vs. Mets Rivalry

A significant portion of the episode delves into the rivalry between Mets and Yankees fans, especially concerning endorsements and player performances. The conversation highlights how narratives between the two fan bases are often influenced by media and social media interactions.

Alan Hahn introduces the rivalry dynamics:

"This season will begin something we've really never seen in New York, which is the Judge versus Soto. This is the two behemoths that the next eight years will be judged about..." ([13:25])

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the competitive spirit:

"If Soto has a better year than Judge, but the Yankees win and the Mets don't, you're going to celebrate..." ([14:10])

The hosts discuss how this rivalry not only fuels fan engagement but also adds layers of complexity to player evaluations and team strategies.

Fan Expectations and Pressure

The episode explores how high expectations placed on star players like Juan Soto can lead to immense pressure, affecting their performance and overall team dynamics.

Alan Hahn notes the psychological impact of large contracts:

"There is pressure that comes with those contracts. It's a real thing. It's a real human emotion that happens." ([08:33])

Peter Rosenberg contrasts Soto's situation with other players:

"But you don't think there was pressure when he got traded to the Yankees in the last year of his deal... he's in the first year of a 15-year contract." ([06:47])

They discuss how Soto's contract not only raises expectations but also subjects him to constant scrutiny, which can be both motivating and debilitating.

Pitching Strategies and Protected Lineups

A nuanced discussion arises around the concept of "protected lineups" in baseball, specifically how having formidable hitters like Aaron Judge affects pitchers' approaches against players like Soto.

Don La Greca raises the strategic implications:

"He's benefiting from Soto. It's the reality. That's not a Yankee or Met Take. That's a real thing." ([50:21])

Alan Hahn elaborates on pitching tactics:

"I have Soto up. I don't want to mess with him. Alonzo's the guy I'll mess with." ([51:03])

The conversation highlights how pitchers must adapt their strategies based on the lineup's strength, particularly when facing elite hitters protected by other star players.

Callers' Perspectives and Broader Discussion

Listener interactions provide diverse viewpoints, enriching the hosts' analysis. Callers express opinions on fan behavior, media influence, and the broader state of sports fandom.

Caller from Jordan East Islip argues:

"All I'm saying is that Juan Soto potentially being unhappy... could lead to him not having as much..." ([17:18])

Another Caller reflects on the evolution of fan frustrations:

"Yankees and Mets for the first time truly ever, are entering into us into an area as fan bases like the Devils and the Rangers have been in..." ([20:57])

These contributions highlight the multifaceted nature of sports fandom, where personal biases, media narratives, and team performances intertwine.

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of Juan Soto's role with the Mets, the pressures of high-value contracts, and the intricate dynamics of New York's sports rivalries. By intertwining player performance with media influence and fan expectations, they offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape in New York.

Alan Hahn wraps up by emphasizing the unique market dynamics of New York sports:

"That was the biggest loss the Yankees have ever had against the Mets. Is losing a superstar okay who preferred to go to your team..." ([23:25])

The episode concludes with the acknowledgment that while media narratives and fan expectations can be overwhelming, the intrinsic talents of players like Soto remain pivotal to their teams' successes.

Notable Quotes:

Alan Hahn [04:06]: "The headlines though, they start to push the story into a place that I know as a Mets fan, Don, especially you, you're not comfortable that story going..."
Peter Rosenberg [06:10]: "He's in the first year of a 15-year contract. Make with it what you want..."
Don La Greca [03:49]: "One tabloid makes a story of something, then the others have to follow up. This is not a one day and done story..."
Alan Hahn [13:25]: "This season will begin something we've really never seen in New York, which is the Judge versus Soto..."
Peter Rosenberg [14:10]: "If Soto has a better year than Judge, but the Yankees win and the Mets don't, you're going to celebrate..."
Alan Hahn [51:03]: "I have Soto up. I don't want to mess with him. Alonzo's the guy I'll mess with."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from "Hour 3: Soto's Happiness," providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the episode's main themes and exchanges.